In his inaugural speech at the Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium after assuming office, Vijay declared that a new era committed to “true secularism and social justice” has begun.
He emphasized that there will be no other power centers besides himself, subtly critiquing the previous DMK and AIADMK governments.
Vijay’s cabinet consists of both youthful and seasoned members, with the 51-year-old actor-turned-politician’s core team included in his inaugural ministry. Immediately after taking office, CM Vijay signed three documents to fulfill electoral promises, including 200 units of free electricity for residential consumers.
During his address, Vijay stated he does not come from a royal lineage and mentioned how people embraced him. He affirmed he would not mislead the public with false promises.
A new governance has commenced, heralding an era of genuine, secular social justice, he noted.
Cabinet members Adhav Arjuna and KR Arunraj assured that the TVK would provide transparent governance.
Vijay’s parents—S A Chandrasekhar and Shobha, renowned actor Trisha, and a host of guests were present at the ceremony held at the expansive Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium.
Notable absences included former CMs, DMK President M K Stalin and AIADMK leader Edappadi K Palaniswami, along with Vijay’s wife Sangeetha and their two children.
The CM’s first official acts included providing 200 units of free electricity for homes and establishing a special force for women’s safety.
He expressed gratitude to the Congress, VCK, IUML, and Left parties for supporting his party in forming the government. Vijay particularly acknowledged the children, stating it was their influence that led families to vote for his party.
Earlier, Governor RV Arlekar administered the oath of office and confidentiality to Vijay and nine cabinet members, which included Dravidian veteran K A Sengottaiyan and promising newcomers Dr TK Prabhu and S Keerthana.
As TVK supporters cheered with continuous “whistling,” Vijay took his oath as Chief Minister in God’s name, a practice that was different from the outgoing DMK administration.
TVK leaders Aadhav Arjuna, N Anand, R Nirmal Kumar, KG Arunraj, and Sengottaiyan—considered part of Vijay’s inner circle—were sworn in as ministers.
Both Arjuna and Arunraj reiterated that the TVK would ensure transparent governance.
“This is a victory for the people, especially for Tamil Nadu women and youth… our leader and ministers will provide transparency in governance and work for everyone,” he told reporters. The TVK government aims to prioritize development while upholding social justice and secularism.
He compared the DMK administration to “corruption,” stating, “You will witness the transparency” under the TVK rule, he added.
Arunraj commended the “clear mandate” given by the public to Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam.
“We are committed to delivering transparent, corruption-free governance. You will notice the change,” he told PTI Videos.
In a style departure from his usual attire of a white shirt and khaki trousers, Vijay was dressed for the occasion in a crisp white shirt, dark pants, and a blazer. Most of his cabinet members also followed suit, marking a shift from the traditional dress code of white dhoti and shirt typical in Tamil Nadu politics.
For former CMs K Kamaraj, CN Annadurai, M Karunanidhi, MG Ramachandran (all deceased leaders), along with Edappadi K Palaniswami, O Panneerselvam, and M K Stalin, the dhoti and immaculate white shirt have been customary formal attire for their roles.
At the venue, Vijay’s parents displayed great joy and emotion, witnessing their son achieve a political milestone in his inaugural elections, which he won two years after launching the TVK.
The Sunday ceremony ushered in the first non-DMK, non-AIADMK administration in Tamil Nadu, the Dravidian heartland, in approximately 60 years, amidst a festive atmosphere as Vijay’s fans and supporters celebrated.
Vijay concluded the hour-long event by taking a selfie with those on the stage, including Rahul Gandhi and his cabinet members.
The Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium became a hub of excitement as thousands gathered to witness the historic transformation of their ‘Thalapathy’ (Commander) into ‘Muthalamaichar,’ the CM.
The atmosphere across the city radiated a sense of hard-earned victory and heightened expectations.
Inside the venue, the mood was charged with enthusiasm. “We are very happy because of Thalapathy,” a supporter remarked, reflecting the sentiments of the crowd that had started arriving at dawn.
Whistles, an emblem of the TVK, echoed as supporters waved party-colored shawls in dominant yellow to celebrate their leader’s rise to power.
Actress Sanam Shetty, in an interview, called the moment a pivotal point for Tamil Nadu politics.
“Despite winning a majority and creating a historic moment… the intense political shifts over the past week have kept us from resting peacefully. Today, we will sleep peacefully, dreaming of a brighter Tamil Nadu in the capable hands of our beloved Thalapathy Joseph Vijay sir,” she expressed.
The emotional significance of the day was particularly evident at Vijay’s father Chandrasekhar’s residence.
Vijay’s mother, Shoba Chandrasekhar, conveyed immense faith in her son’s new duties, stating, “Vijay will excel; I have complete faith in him.”
The cultural implications of the day were clear as members of the film community, including actor Trisha, were seen leaving their homes to attend the ceremony. Coincidentally, this event fell on Mother’s Day, a fact noted by several family members and supporters as a poetic beginning for the “true son of Tamil Nadu.”
Vijay later formally commenced his duties by visiting the Secretariat within the historic Fort St. George and assuming office. Upon his arrival, Vijay received a ceremonial police salute. Subsequently, senior IAS officers and government officials welcomed the new CM in his office.
